Help me light my 92 corner

[Porthos]

I'm having a really hard time trying to decide how to light my 92 gallon bowfront corner tank. Because it narrows to a point as it goes back, it is hard to get a single good light. So far, I've narrowed it to 3 options:

Option 1:
36" Current USA Sunpod 150W HQI MH - Front part of tank
24" Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO - Goes behind Sunpod
This option gives me Metal Halides and moonlights, and the T5 fixture would be above the high rock.

Option 2:
24" Current USA Outer Orbit T5 - All by itself
This option gives me MH, moonlights, and T5 all in one fixture, but the front corners of my tank might (?) be dark. Also the cheapest option.

Option 3:
36" Aquactinics TX5 T5HO - In front of tank
24" R2 Solutions Strip Moonlight - Behind the TX5
This option gives me better T5's (single reflector), but I will have some overhang in the back corners of the fixture. Also, won't have any Metal Halides for some corals and shimmer effect.

So, please give me some opinions, or some other options you may have seen on other 92 corner tanks.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bertoni]

What are the tank's dimensions?

 

[Porthos]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9488306#post9488306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
What are the tank's dimensions?

Quarter circle with 34" radius, and 24" tall. Direct distance from front corner to front corner is 48". It is the All-Glass 92 corner: http://www.all-glass.com/products/aquariums/index.html

 

[chem-e]

Check out this thread.

Maybe this thread can help you out.

 

[cdangel0]

I have the same tank - and I agree lighting is a bit of a chore. I currently only keep softies,a nd a few SPS and fish, and I don't have alot of money, so I went with PC lights.

You will have enough room to put a 36" fixture in the front and a 24" fixture behind it.

Problem with these tanks is the feet you get to raise the light off the tank lid don;t really work (at least I haven't been able to figure it out) because the side of the tank isn't square.

So the lights either have to:

A: Sit on top of the cover (which is another reaon I like my PCs - they don't get too hot to do sit directly on the top)

B: Suspend your lighting fromt he ceiling

C: Build or buy (very expensive) a canopy

 

[HumanIMDB]

Here is what I'm looking at for my AGA 92 Corner...

One 400W 13K HQI Metal Halide Fixture centered.

or

One 24" T5 fixture with 4 Bulbs (10,000 and Actinic) (radially placed front to back) and two 250W 13K Metal Halide Pendants.

 

[Porthos]

Looking at the thread chem-e posted, and everyone that has posted in this thread, it looks like there is no "best" option... just lots of ways that people get to work.

cdangel0 - I was thinking the legs might be a problem looking at some of the fixture pics. I'm leaning towards the Aquactinics TX5 right now since it can sit right on the glass cover.

As much as I would love to have Metal Halide, I think I can live without the shimmer, plus I will save money on upfront and electric costs. Also, from what I've read, I will be able to do most corals with the Aquactincs TX5 (I hope?).

However, nothing is set in stone yet...

 

[chem-e]

HumanIMDB - Just as a suggestion, I wouldn't get a 4 bulb fixture. I'd get atleast a 5 bulb fixture and if possible a 6 bulb fixture. I currently have a 4 bulb fixture and I'm looking to upgrade because I'd like a little more light and more flexibility in coloration. With my current bulbs, the tank looks like a clean white with a little blue. I'd like to have the option to add another one or two actinics, but I can't. I'm now debating about upgrading to an Aquactinic fixture or waiting for the ATI fixture.

JMO